Best MP4 Decoder and Encoder with 370+ Codecs. MacX Video Converter Pro enables you to decode MP4 to H264, MPEG-4, HEVC, MPEG-4 AVC, as well as MPEG-2, XviD, VP8, H263, WMV, etc with 320+ video codecs and 50+ audio codecs supported. Thus, you can not only successfully play MP4 video on Mac/Windows, but also transfer it on iPhone X/8/Plus, iPad, Android without codec. Although Mac’s default player supports the MP4 video format natively, it can only play files compressed with MPEG-4, MPEG-2, and H.264 codecs. If you want to play an MP4 file encoded with a different codec, you’ll need to install a player that supports that codec, or simply convert the file to the MOV format.
by Christine Smith • 2020-10-28 17:31:05 • Proven solutions
Generally speaking, the codec is a device (yes, hardware, my friend!) or an application that compresses media files data and decompresses them so that your favorite videos or audios could be played in your chosen audio or video player (e.g., Windows Media Player, VLC media player, etc.). If we Google the word codec, it is a compound word from the compressor- de-compressor.
For instance, the codec is like a public post in a social network that only you and your friends can translate (decode) into English (but in this case, you also have created a web application so that people can encode their letters in the same language).
So returning to the functionality of a codec, when you insert a CD to your computer to listen to the new album you just bought from a music store (in the case you still buy CDs in a store), the computer will need a Windows Media Audio codec to compress the song into a compact audio file. This audio file will be reproduced through your speakers by decompressing it.
In this article, we will suggest you top five MP4 Codecs you may need whether you use Windows or Mac.
Part 1. Top 3 MP4 Codecs for Windows
1. Media Player Codec Pack
One of the most famous codecs found on the Internet is 'Media Player Codec Pack, 'developed by Cole Williams.
Key features :
- Easy to install: with the highly-known installation process. Next, you select the Easy Installation option.
- Many compression types that you will be able to play, such as MP4 | MPEG4 | MPEG2 | x265 | h.265 | HEVC | 10bit x264 | x264 | h.264 | AVCHD | AVC | DivX | XviD and many more.
- Types of files that you will be able to play include: .mp4 | .m4v | .m4a | .mkv | .avi | .flv | .webm | .ts | .ogm | ac3 | .dts | .alac | .flac | .ape | .aac | .ogg | .ofr | .mpc | .3gp and many more .
2. VLC Media Player
If the VLC Media Player Codec Pack is the most famous Codec pack on Internet, VLC is the preferred alternative media player to all Windows users because it's so simple to use. It is developed by VideoLAN.
Key features:
- Supports almost every codec to reproduce all kinds of media files.
- Low-memory used for this media player.
- Worry-free: you won't ever need to worry about any codec anymore because its community maintains it up to date, and it's one of the most popular media players on the Internet.
- It plays MP4, HD, and BluRay as well.
Download URL: http://www.videolan.org/
3. CCCP
Now we enter the prairies of the unknown, proceed with caution.
There's a project called CCCP ( Combined Community Codec Pack ) that name themselves as a filter pack rather than a codec pack, and they took a start by providing a single video playback to specific groups that share media files on the Internet (such as anime or movie fansub groups). The project is endorsed by Matroska and maintained by the community.
There's this joke on the CCCP project that they're a pun over the Russian name for Cоюз Советских Социалистических Республик, which their capitals are 'СССР.' That's why they have the Flag of the Soviet Union as a pun on their logo.
Key features :
- The wide community that maintains their codecs up to date and is used by a lot of groups already on the Internet.
- Easy to use: they promise you that you won't need any additional work on its options to work properly on your computer.
Download URL: http://www.cccp-project.net/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page
Part 2. Top 2 MP4 Codecs for Mac
Now it's time for Mac users all around the globe. Here are the top 2 MP4 codecs for Mac that we suggest.
1. MPlayerX
MPlayerX is an option for all of the apple lovers. This software integrates beauty and style, making it a perfect choice if you want to sit and watch one of your favorite movies or series episodes.
Key features:
- Memory: it remembers where you left your video and resumes if you want to open it again.
- Multiple screens at full-sized: one thing is not that common to find among media players is the ability that MPlayerX has: multiple screens at full-sized.
- Auto Subtitle Method: the player will understand what kind of method to decompress your subtitle files so you won't need any further configuration or even navigate through options or menus.
- Auto Next Chapter: as long as your files are in a typical order, MPlayerX will select the next chapter of your favorite series and play it for you.
Download URL: http://mplayerx.org/
2. DIVX
DIVX is codec software for Mac and Windows users, widely known due to its good network marketing as well as for all their efforts to plug-in on our favorite browsers. In fact, some web pages use DIVX to stream or reproduce video files that will require you to download DIVX as your codec in your device.
Key features:
- DivX, MKV, and HEVC up to 4K support.
- DivX also supports a variety of devices; in fact, you can register your own in the following link: http://www.divx.com/en/dwam
- The only constraint we have about DivX is that the installation is intrusive and it may not ask you about extra components that it will try to install. If you only click next, next, you'll have some extra software you may need to be so careful when you install it.
Part3. Download MP4 Free with Wondershare UniConverter
Wondershare UniConverter - Best Video Converter for Windows / Mac (Catalina Included)
- Convert to 1000+ formats, like AVI, MKV, MOV, MP4, etc.
- Convert to optimized preset for almost all of the devices
- 30X faster conversion speed than any conventional converters
- Edit, enhance & personalize your video files
- Burn video to playable DVD with an attractive free DVD template
- Download or record videos from video sharing sites
- Versatile toolbox combines fix video metadata, GIF maker, video compressor and screen recorder
- Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Mac OS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6
Q: What is K-Lite Codec Pack? How can I watch videos on Mac without K-Lite Codec Pack?
Best Alternative to K-Lite Codec Pack Mac - Play Video on Mac in any Format
Aimersoft Video Converter Ultimate is one of best alternative to K-Lite Codec Pack for Mac. With it, you can play any video/audio files, convert them to almost all popular formats and also touch up the videos without any hassle. Well Compatible with Mac OS (macOS Mojave supported), Aimersoft Video Converter for Mac is also an online video downloader. With the built-in browser, you can search and download directly the videos you like with fast speed and high quality.
If you are looking for the alternative of K-Lite Codec Pack for Windows, why not have a try on Aimersoft Video Converter Ultimate which is fully compatible with Windows (Windows 10).
Aimersoft Video Converter Ultimate
Best Alternative to K-Lite Codec Pack Mac
- Play video on Mac without format issues, supporting MP4, MOV, MPEG, MKV, WMV, AVI and other 500+ formats.
- Convert videos in any formats to MOV or MP4 (most compatible formats for Mac).
- Batch converstion is supported.
- Download videos from 1000 online sites, including YouTube, Vimeo, Vevo, Dailymotion and more.
- Built-in video editing tool to customize your video.
- Do more with all-in-one toolbox.
Tutorial 1. How to Play Video on Mac in any Formats?
This is a good choice when you can't play video on Mac with format issue, and don't know to change the video format. Please download and install Aimersoft Video Converter for Mac on your Mac. Follow the simple steps below to have a try on the equivalence of K-Lite Codec Pack for Mac.
01 Add video file to Aimersoft Video Converter Ultimate
Open Aimersoft Video Converter Ultimate on your Mac. Directly drag and drop the movies or videos into the window of this program. Or you can click on the Add Files to browse videos on your Mac. There are more than 500 video formats supported.
02 Click the Play icon
You can see your videos have been displayed in the program. Put the mouse over the video thumbnail, there will be a Play icon over it. Now click it.
03 Playing video on Mac
Now your video is playing! It also provides with 2 options, which you can maximize the playing window on your Mac, or take screenshots of the video.
Tutorial 2. How to Convert Videos to MOV/MP4 on Mac?
This solution will let you convert videos to macOS compatible formats. You are suggested to convert the videos to MP4 or MOV formats, which can be further used on a Mac. Now let's see how to do it in 3 simple steps.
Codec Mp4 Mac Download
01 Add videos to Aimersoft Video Converter Mac
Launch Aimersoft Video Converter Ultimate on Mac. Add the target videos by dragging and dropping. Multiple videos can be added and converted at one time.
Codecs For Mp4 Mac Free
Optional Edit videos
Video Codecs For Mac
You can touch up the videos to create personalized video visual experience with this K-Lite Codec Pack for Mac. There are 3 editing tabs below each video thumbnail. Here you can crop, rotate, trim video, and add subtitle, watermark and others to the video.
- Adjust: Adjust the frame size, rotate the video, and split the videos into small clips.
- Effects: Append special artistic effects to the video.
- Watermarks: Supports adding image watermarks as well as text watermarks.
- Subtitles: Load subtitles to make the video more understandable. The font of the subtitles is editable.
02 Choose an output format
Click Convert all tasks to to get the output formats. Here you can choose MOV or MP4. The chosen format and resolution will be applied to all of the added videos.
03 Convert video with K-Lite Codec Pack Mac alternative
Convert To Mp4 On Mac
Turn on High Speed Conversion to convert video at 90X faster speed. Click the Convert Allbutton to start the conversion. Later, you can check the converted videos on Converted tab, or from the output folder on your Mac.